Webinar
What's Next for MTSA Cyber Compliance: Preparing for the Coast Guard's Next Policy Update
What will the next phase of the Maritime Transportation Security Act (MTSA) cyber compliance look like in practice? As U.S. Coast Guard policy guidance evolves, U.S.-flagged vessels, Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) structures and other MTSA-regulated facilities are looking for clarity on how to prepare for implementation and inspection.
Join ABS Consulting and a guest speaker from the U.S. Coast Guard for the second webinar in our MTSA cybersecurity series. Building on our first discussion of the rule’s intent, this session will take a deeper look at existing U.S. Coast Guard policy documents, what a meaningful cyber risk assessment involves beyond a paperwork exercise, and what organizations may expect during cyber-related inspections.
Key Takeaways:
- Hear from the U.S. Coast Guard about evolving policy guidance.
- Gain insight from the perspective of the Captain of the Port.
- Understand what a meaningful cyber risk assessment involves beyond completing documentation.
- Identify practical steps your organization can take as guidance continues to evolve.
Presenters
Captain Shawn A. Lansing - Commander, U.S. Coast Guard Sector Charleston and Captain of the Port
Captain Lansing assumed the duties of Commander, Sector Charleston in July 2025. As Sector Commander and Captain of the Port, he directs all Coast Guard forces and operations in the Port of Charleston and the intracoastal waterways and littorals of South Carolina and Georgia. Sector Charleston is comprised of over 500 active duty, reserve, and civilian personnel to include eleven units; four boat stations, three cutters, three aids to navigation teams, and one marine safety unit. Sector Charleston is also supported by three Coast Guard Auxiliary Divisions consisting of over 700 volunteers
Michael DeVolld - Sr. Director, Maritime Cybersecurity - ABS Consulting
Michael Devolld is the Director of Maritime Cybersecurity at ABS Consulting, with 25 years of experience in the maritime sector. He is dedicated to ensuring the safety and security of the global MTS. As a retired U.S. Coast Guard Officer, Michael has conducted numerous safety and compliance inspections, investigated high-profile marine casualties and established a cybersecurity program at USCG Cyber Command. Michael has expertise in managing cyber risks, implementing technical solutions, shaping policy and governance, providing expert advisory services and designing custom solutions to meet maritime regulatory requirements and best practices.
Marco Ayala - Technical Director, Cybersecurity, Global Energy - ABS Consulting
Marco Ayala is Technical Director, Global Energy Cybersecurity at ABS Consulting and Energy Market Lead, ABS Cyber Center of Excellence. He brings three decades of expertise in process automation, safety systems and industrial control networks. He has extensive experience securing critical infrastructure in the energy, oil and gas, maritime, offshore and chemical sectors. Marco is a certified cyber instructor for ISA (62443) and currently serves as the InfraGard National Sector Chief-Energy, and the President of InfraGard Houston. He is a highly active leader in the International Society of Automation (ISA), where he is an ISA Fellow, and he is a member of the ISA Executive Board.
Abby Cassell - Manager, Maritime Cybersecurity Solutions - ABS Consulting
Abby Cassell is Manager of Maritime Cybersecurity Solutions at ABS Consulting, and specializes in crafting tailored solutions and collaborating with technical teams to support government and commercial clients. With a focus on cybersecurity, Abby has worked extensively with maritime clients to develop solutions addressing the industry's evolving cybersecurity challenges, including compliance with new regulations.
About ABS Consulting
ABSG Consulting Inc. (ABS Consulting) is part of ABS Group of Companies, Inc. (www.abs-group.com), a global leader in safety and risk management for critical infrastructure worldwide and a subsidiary of ABS (www.eagle.org), one of the world's leading marine and offshore classification societies. With more than 50 years of risk management and safety experience, ABS Consulting provides engineering, data science and management consulting services globally to help our clients manage their safety, security and operational risks. Headquartered in Spring, Texas, ABS Consulting operates with more than 700 professionals across the globe serving the marine and offshore, oil, gas and chemical, government, power and energy, and industrial sectors.